One of the most influential periods in European history occurred between the years 711 and 1492 A.D. During this time, the Iberian Peninsula (home to Spain and Portugal) was occupied by Muslim rulers. This led to a type of cultural fusion that had never been seen before and, possibly, has not existed since. To accompany the study of the TPRS novel Rival by Mira Canion, students will investigate the following web-based resources to better their understanding of this period in Spain's history.
World Languages Standards - Missouri GLEs
2.2 - Students demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the products and perspectives of the cultures studied.
2.2b - Connect objects, important people and symbols of other cultures to the underlying beliefs and perspective of the people.
2.2c - Identify some historical and contemporary influences from other cultures that impact the culture studied.
3.2a - Acquire information on research topics assigned in other classes through target-language sources.
4.2b - Identify and analyze cultural perspectives as reflected in a variety of nonfiction and fiction texts.
ALL ABOUT SPAIN - Country and Culture*
This site lives up to its name, telling you everything you would want to know about Spain. Information about the Reconquest can be found under the history section at the top of the page
History - The Spanish Fiesta Brava*
This website identifies the historical context of bullfighting in relation to the Reconquest of Spain.
Spain: Country Studies*
The "Al Andalus" link on this page can take you to everything you would want to know about the Reconquest.
Mapping History Three interactive maps illustrate the history of Islamic Spain.
The Catholic Monarchs
This site chronicles the reign of Ferdinand and Isabel. By clicking the left arrow at the top of the web page, you will be taken to a detailed timeline of the Reconquest.
Reconquista and Spanish Inquisition This page describing the history of the Muslim occupation and Reconquest is accompanied by an entertaining video.
Tale of Three Cities*
One of the three cities outlined on this page is Córdoba, a center of Islamic Spain, described through its historical context in 1000 A.D.
Legends - Paladins and Princes* Learn about the Cantar del mio Cid, the medieval epic of Spain, which tells of the hero who battled both Christians and Muslims.
Golden Age Sonnets*
Read some of the poetry by the members of the post-Reconquest generation.
*found on eThemes found on netTrekker
*found on IPL2
found on Sweet Search
*found on Academic Index
Reflection and Summary of Selection Tools
For the concept I chose to represent, some of the selection tools worked better than others. What I found was that corporate entities such as netTrekker provided more high quality results for an obscure topic such as the Spanish Reconquista. Other sites required me to make more of a stretch when selecting websites to use in a pathfinder.
eThemes is a user-friendly, comprehensive selection tool for any librarian trying to find valid websites for research topics. Its search interface is self-explanatory, allowing users to make a general search or browse lists organized by grade level, subject, etc. Its only weakness is that some specific content areas have not been outlined, but this can easily be remedied by requesting that a list be created by the site operators. I would generally use this tool to find sites on a broader topic.
netTrekker was by far my favorite tool to use for creating my pathfinder project. Its interface was created using databases as its model, making it more familiar to professional users. It can be used to find resources for all levels and it seemed to locate valid resources on a somewhat obscure topic. The only weakness that this website may possibly possess is that it requires the user to make an extra click to copy a website's address for citation. This may involve mentioning when training a librarian or student in its use.
IPL2 was a somewhat frustrating tool for me to use. Besides its less-professional appearing interface, it was unable to find me much data for my search topic. This would probably not be the case if I were investigating resources on a more popular or general theme. Personally, I found the feature that allows users to search by category a little confusing once I got to a certain point. Specifically, I was trying to find information on Spain, so clicked on "Regional & Country Information," then navigated to "Europe," but got stuck with a poorly organized list of resources. I would most likely not choose to use it, but may provide it to colleagues who were looking for a selection tool (with a warning).
Sweet Search lived up to its name by providing enough web content to satisfy even the most outrageous searches. There seemed to be results on anything I investigated. Having different tools available for all grade levels is also a plus. This is a tool whose only weakness would be considered a strength by some. The tool breaks down some of the results in its searches into more specific content pieces. This may confuse inexperienced students, but will also allow for experienced researchers to more quickly find information to cite. With my Spanish background, I also appreciate the obvious Quixote reference in the company's name.
Academic Index left me puzzled. While I found it very easy to use, I left my experience shaking my head with doubt. Realistically, someone familiar with Google's advanced search functions could come up with the same results simply using Google. Its strength is that it would appeal to teachers who are attempting to introduce students to academic search engines. However, the students may see the Google search results and feel it is okay to simply use Google as their only tool for finding information. The best tool that Academic Index may have is its ability to search multidisciplinary portals such as ERIC or JSTOR. This would not be a tool that I would regularly use as opposed to Sweet Search and netTrekker.
Pathfinder - The Conquest and Reconquest of Spain
One of the most influential periods in European history occurred between the years 711 and 1492 A.D. During this time, the Iberian Peninsula (home to Spain and Portugal) was occupied by Muslim rulers. This led to a type of cultural fusion that had never been seen before and, possibly, has not existed since. To accompany the study of the TPRS novel Rival by Mira Canion, students will investigate the following web-based resources to better their understanding of this period in Spain's history.
World Languages Standards - Missouri GLEs
2.2 - Students demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the products and perspectives of the cultures studied.
2.2b - Connect objects, important people and symbols of other cultures to the underlying beliefs and perspective of the people.
2.2c - Identify some historical and contemporary influences from other cultures that impact the culture studied.
3.2a - Acquire information on research topics assigned in other classes through target-language sources.
4.2b - Identify and analyze cultural perspectives as reflected in a variety of nonfiction and fiction texts.
Access the complete list of Missouri's World Languages GLEs here.
Web-based Resources
ALL ABOUT SPAIN - Country and Culture*
This site lives up to its name, telling you everything you would want to know about Spain. Information about the Reconquest can be found under the history section at the top of the page
History - The Spanish Fiesta Brava*
This website identifies the historical context of bullfighting in relation to the Reconquest of Spain.
Spain: Country Studies*
The "Al Andalus" link on this page can take you to everything you would want to know about the Reconquest.
Mapping History
Three interactive maps illustrate the history of Islamic Spain.
The Catholic Monarchs
This site chronicles the reign of Ferdinand and Isabel. By clicking the left arrow at the top of the web page, you will be taken to a detailed timeline of the Reconquest.
Reconquista and Spanish Inquisition
This page describing the history of the Muslim occupation and Reconquest is accompanied by an entertaining video.
Tale of Three Cities*
One of the three cities outlined on this page is Córdoba, a center of Islamic Spain, described through its historical context in 1000 A.D.
Legends - Paladins and Princes*
Learn about the Cantar del mio Cid, the medieval epic of Spain, which tells of the hero who battled both Christians and Muslims.
Golden Age Sonnets*
Read some of the poetry by the members of the post-Reconquest generation.
Hoy en la historia: Los judios son expulsados de España durante la Inquisición
Use your Spanish skills to read this article about one of the unforeseen consequences of the Reconquest.
History and Urban Primacy: The Effect of the Spanish Reconquista on Muslim Cities
This paper, written by a college student, analyzes the economic impact of the Reconquest on Muslim-occupied cities in Spain.
Reconquista
This timeline illustrates the major events of the Reconquista and provides links to informational pages.
Crusades, Reconquista, and Mongol Invasions*
Download this PowerPoint to find detailed information about the Reconquista and its historical context.
Reconquista cristiana*
This slideshow illustrates the causes, effects, and spread of the Muslim occupation. It then details the Reconquista.
SparkNotes: High Middle Ages (1000-1200); Reconquista, 1000-1250*
This abbreviated history of the Reconquista hits upon the major leaders of the movement.
*found on eThemes
found on netTrekker
*found on IPL2
found on Sweet Search
*found on Academic Index
Reflection and Summary of Selection Tools
For the concept I chose to represent, some of the selection tools worked better than others. What I found was that corporate entities such as netTrekker provided more high quality results for an obscure topic such as the Spanish Reconquista. Other sites required me to make more of a stretch when selecting websites to use in a pathfinder.
eThemes is a user-friendly, comprehensive selection tool for any librarian trying to find valid websites for research topics. Its search interface is self-explanatory, allowing users to make a general search or browse lists organized by grade level, subject, etc. Its only weakness is that some specific content areas have not been outlined, but this can easily be remedied by requesting that a list be created by the site operators. I would generally use this tool to find sites on a broader topic.
netTrekker was by far my favorite tool to use for creating my pathfinder project. Its interface was created using databases as its model, making it more familiar to professional users. It can be used to find resources for all levels and it seemed to locate valid resources on a somewhat obscure topic. The only weakness that this website may possibly possess is that it requires the user to make an extra click to copy a website's address for citation. This may involve mentioning when training a librarian or student in its use.
IPL2 was a somewhat frustrating tool for me to use. Besides its less-professional appearing interface, it was unable to find me much data for my search topic. This would probably not be the case if I were investigating resources on a more popular or general theme. Personally, I found the feature that allows users to search by category a little confusing once I got to a certain point. Specifically, I was trying to find information on Spain, so clicked on "Regional & Country Information," then navigated to "Europe," but got stuck with a poorly organized list of resources. I would most likely not choose to use it, but may provide it to colleagues who were looking for a selection tool (with a warning).
Sweet Search lived up to its name by providing enough web content to satisfy even the most outrageous searches. There seemed to be results on anything I investigated. Having different tools available for all grade levels is also a plus. This is a tool whose only weakness would be considered a strength by some. The tool breaks down some of the results in its searches into more specific content pieces. This may confuse inexperienced students, but will also allow for experienced researchers to more quickly find information to cite. With my Spanish background, I also appreciate the obvious Quixote reference in the company's name.
Academic Index left me puzzled. While I found it very easy to use, I left my experience shaking my head with doubt. Realistically, someone familiar with Google's advanced search functions could come up with the same results simply using Google. Its strength is that it would appeal to teachers who are attempting to introduce students to academic search engines. However, the students may see the Google search results and feel it is okay to simply use Google as their only tool for finding information. The best tool that Academic Index may have is its ability to search multidisciplinary portals such as ERIC or JSTOR. This would not be a tool that I would regularly use as opposed to Sweet Search and netTrekker.